Ben and Jenelle DOT COM

I just added pictures from Hunter’s second birthday to the family section of our web site.

Jenelle and I both had a lot of fun at the party. A lot of people from Eric’s AND Gina’s side of the family were in attendance. Isaacsons, look out, because there’s finally a family that can rival us in terms of the amount of partying that we do. 🙂

After most of the people had left, Eric and Todd put Hunter’s new big wheel together. Shortly after the final bolts were in place, we went outside for Hunter to try it out. He appeared to enjoy it, but he didn’t want to use the pedals. He planted his feet firmly on the ground and propelled himself forward. This works okay, but we all know he could go much faster with the pedals. So, I endeavored to teach Hunter how to use them. After putting each of his feet on the exact center of each pedal, I moved his legs in the circular motion to get the big wheel moving. I figured that he would get it after I did this for him a few times, but he still wanted to do it his way. Jenelle and others laughed with delight as I grew somewhat frustrated in my attempts. However, the laughter multiplied by a factor of ten when Todd got a tricycle out of the garage. This tricycle was just a bit too big for Hunter, and (obviously) a bit too small for Todd. The picture tells all. 🙂

Anyway, we didn’t get Hunter to use the pedals on his own, so I resolved to making sure he didn’t roll out into the street. I was successful in that effort. I was glad to help Eric and Gina do some of the Hunter-watching so they could relax. Shortly after Jenelle and I left the party, she complimented my skills and said that I’d make a good father. Awwww. Those of you eager for Jenelle and me to have kids — remember that patience is part of the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22).

My manager has a feature on his personal web site called “Customer Service Doofus“, which describes a funny conversation between him and a cashier. Here’s one from me:

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Jenelle and I visited Toys R Us this evening, shopping for gifts for our nephew Lucas and our cousin Hunter, both of whom have birthdays coming up.

We approached the checkout aisle with our merchandise. After a quick greeting, the cashier asked, “Can I have your phone number?”

This is a growing phenomenon in the retail industry. After having been asked for my zip code at the Gap earlier this evening, I was somewhat wary of granting this request. So, in hopes of understanding more about this need for information, I responded to the question with another question.

“What do you need it for?”

The cashier quickly responded, “It’s for our mailing list.”

My desires for clarity stifled by this cryptic reply, I had no choice but to make another query.

“You need my phone number for a MAILING list?”

“Yeah, if you’re listed.”

I could tell by the sound of the cashier’s voice that I had reached the limit of her understanding of the process. Seeing that customers were beginning to line up behind me, I ended the conversation with the safest way out.

“I’d rather not divulge that information.”

The cashier entered “999-9999” or something like that, and the rest of the transaction proceeded normally.

On the way home, Jenelle and I thought of some funny replies that you can use when a cashier asks for your zip code, phone number, or some other bit of personal information:

“Sure, but only if I can have yours.”

“But I just met you.”

“Sorry, I’m taken.” (Raise left hand and show off ring)

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I know that this story isn’t all that funny. However, I hope that regular weblog readers (i.e. Mom) will enjoy reading it for a change of pace.

Have a good night, all!

The CROP Walk in Mukwonago went very well. I have several pictures, and I’ll be putting up a photo album very soon. I’ll be sure to write more about it as well when I get the chance.

In other news, congratulations are in order for our friend Susan and her husband Mike, who got married on Saturday. Here’s a picture of the bride and groom, and here’s one of Jenelle and Susan. After learning about Mike at the wedding and the reception, we think Susan made a great choice, and we wish them all the best in their new life together.

Check out this movie of Ella. She is apparently a Vikings fan. More on this story as it develops.

I should have said this two days ago: Happy Birthday, Aunt Gail!

I did okay on the tennis court today. I’ve noticed that my backhand isn’t nearly as good as it was back in high school. Maybe my playing buddies will read this and purposely hit to that side. That’s okay. I need the practice.

On Saturday, Jenelle and I watched NU lose to Miami (OH), went shopping at Banana Republic, J Crew, The Gap Outlet, The Gourmet Chef, Steinhafel’s, Woodman’s Market, and Target. Can you tell that we both have full time jobs? 🙂 Actually, we didn’t spend as much as you might think. We’re both fairly frugal. Jenelle is a great clothes shopper in that she only buys stuff that looks really cute on her.

Only six days until the first of four walks. Let’s get fired up!

Andrew and Holly’s web site (link at right) has 300 more hits than ours. It probably has something to do with the fact that they keep putting up more pictures of their oh-so-adorable daughter.

Of course, Jenelle and I haven’t done much with our site lately. I think we’re still adjusting to Jenelle’s new job. We appreciate the extra income and benefits, and we also are thankful for older people who can help us figure out what benefit plans to sign up for (thanks, Dad!).

We watched a lot of football over the weekend. We attended the Northwestern game on Saturday — Air Force barely won, 22-21. Then there’s all the NFL action on Sunday. I am in two football pools this year, but I don’t seem to be making much effort researching the winners. I’m not even sure how I did this week. Maybe I should check that out.

So, as you might have noticed, I’m having trouble keeping this weblog exciting. Hmmm. Send your suggestions my way.

LESS THAN TWO WEEKS UNTIL THE FIRST OF FOUR WALKS! Yeah!